Intro Physics A good physics textbook with clear and concise explanations?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the search for a clearer and more concise physics textbook for a first-year physics with medical physics degree student dissatisfied with "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Randall D. Knight. Recommendations include standard texts such as Halliday Resnick, Young and Freedman, and Serway, which are considered suitable replacements. For supplemental materials, the Feynman Lectures are suggested, while more advanced options include Purcell's "Electricity and Magnetism" and Kleppner and Kolenkow's "Introduction to Mechanics." Participants note that many introductory physics textbooks share similar content, making it unnecessary to own multiple versions unless one is particularly disliked. Overall, the emphasis is on finding a textbook that better suits the student's learning style.
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I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
 
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Are you looking for replacement, supplemental or more advanced?

Replacement
Some of the standards
Halliday Resnick
Young Freedman
Serway
There is generally no reason to own different freshman physics books unless you truly hate the one you got
Be aware that there are calculus and noncalculus text versions

Supplement
Feynman Lectures (they are also online)

More advanced
Purcell Electricity and Magnetism
Kleppner and Kolenkow Introduction to Mechanics
 
Last edited:
caz said:
Are you looking for replacement, supplemental or more advanced?

Replacement
Some of the standards
Halliday Resnick
Young Freedman
Serway
There is generally no reason to own different freshman physics books unless you truly hate the one you got
Be aware that there are calculus and noncalculus text versions

Supplement
Feynman Lectures (they are also online)

More advanced
Purcell Electricity and Magnetism
Kleppner and Kolenkow Introduction to Mechanics

Thank you for the recommendations.
 
Since your prof won’t be drawing problems from them, there is no reason not to go with an older (cheaper) edition.
 
jojoj said:
I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
You might try the free OpenStax texts. My students typically don't care for OpenStax, but they liked Knight. So perhaps you'll find OpenStax to your liking.

Any of the standard intro physics books would probably be fine.
 
jojoj said:
I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise physics textbook any recommendations?
Alonso and Finn: Fundamental University Physics. The ones that Caz posted are similar in style to the Randall book.

Most introductory physics books made today are so similar, its pointless to own multiples, of what I would call the same book.
 

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